According to a report by Today, she was among 51 residents awarded $80 in vouchers for using the least amount of water over six months. During this period, the 64-year-old chalked up just $3 a month in water bills — a whopping $11 less than the national average for three-room flats.

World Water Day

The inaugural competition, organised by the Nee Soon South Grassroots Team, was held following a historic drop in water levels in Johor’s Linggiu Reservoir, an important “national tap” that contributes to half of Singapore’s water needs.

The winners of the competition were announced at the Singapore World Water Day launch at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital on Sunday (March 12).

2. Wash, Then Flush

We use water to clean stuff, and even the dirty water that ensues has its purpose.

Mdm Loh flushes her toilet with water she originally used to wash her vegetables with.

Water Rationing

Mdm Loh credits her experiences during the water rationing days in the 1960s, where she had to queue up for hours to fetch pails of water for her family of eight, for cultivating in her the habit of saving water.

“I know how precious water is and I try to use water only when necessary,” she told Today.

She also found the time and energy to channel her community spirit, collecting rainwater to water the plants at a communal garden in her neighborhood.

Awareness Raised

Ms Lee Bee Wah, who irked netizens after attributing the government’s decision to hike water prices by 30% to a need to raise awareness of water, claimed that the campaign, which included talks and monthly litter-picking exercises, did manage to raise awareness.

Her justification?

“I had residents ask me what the national average was about,” she told The Straits Times.